Thomas Rhett and Lauren Akins have joyfully shared the arrival of their fifth child, a son named Brave Elijah, born in February 2026. The couple, who have been together since their high school days and tied the knot in 2012, now enjoy a bustling household filled with the laughter of five children. Their growing family consists of four daughters: Willa Gray, Ada James, Lennon Love, and Lillie Carolina, alongside their newest edition, Brave.
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The couple adopted their first child, Willa Gray, from Uganda in May 2017. Willa, born in November 2015, was brought to Nashville when she was just 18 months old. The journey to parenthood was not straightforward for Rhett and Akins, who began their family planning even before meeting Willa in a children’s home while in Uganda. Akins has previously articulated the emotional connection she felt towards Willa, stating, “All orphans have heart-wrenching stories, but it felt like this specific baby was ours.” Rhett has praised Willa for her nurturing spirit, often referring to her as a “mother spirit” among her siblings.
Following Willa, the couple welcomed Ada James into their family on August 12, 2017, after a lengthy 36-hour labour. Rhett described Ada as “extremely sassy,” noting that she often challenges authority in a charming way. This dynamic has encouraged the parents to instil a sense of kindness and love in all of their children, something Rhett has mentioned he aims to reinforce at bedtime rituals, despite facing challenges—particularly with Ada, who sometimes resists the lessons.
Lennon Love, their third daughter, was born on February 10, 2020. Rhett expressed pure joy watching the moment his older daughters met their new sister, indicating how special that introduction was for the family. Describing Lennon, Rhett noted her fiery personality, affirming that each of their daughters possesses unique traits while sharing a strong bond of love. Akins has likened Lennon to a “joyful angel”, often highlighting her amusing personality that brightens their days.
The family continued to expand with the birth of Lillie Carolina on November 15, 2021. Rhett described Lillie as “7.5 pounds of pure joy,” and both parents have openly shared their admiration for each other during the journey through parenthood, with Rhett calling Akins a hero for her strength during childbirth. This new arrival meant they had four daughters all under the age of six, an experience Rhett described as both exhilarating and daunting.
With the arrival of Brave Elijah, Rhett and Akins expressed their uncontainable happiness on social media, declaring, “Oh. my. goodness. Our hearts are just in a big ole puddle with this precious baby BOY.” Brave, who was born a fortnight early and weighted nearly 10 pounds, has already captured the adoration of his four sisters. Akins publicly acknowledged Rhett as her greatest support during the childbirth process, further solidifying their partnership as co-parents.
The couple has frequently opened up about their parenting experiences, with Rhett previously sharing the importance of spending quality time with each child. He reflected on the significance of forming individual relationships with each daughter, which he initially underestimated. This approach allows Rhett to tailor his parenting style to meet the unique needs and characteristics of each child, ultimately fostering a loving and supportive family environment.
Rhett and Akins, through their journey of expanding their family, have emphasised the joy and challenges of parenthood. As they navigate life with five children, their commitment to inculcating values of kindness and love remains at the forefront of their family dynamics. As they reflect on their growing family, they express gratitude and excitement for what the future holds for each of their cherished children.